Rilyonte Co., Ltd., a craft confectionery maker based in Nara, has launched a new winter-limited product from its "Yamato Karari" series. The chocolate-covered Fuyu persimmon chips combine sugar-free 100% pure cacao chocolate with crispy persimmon chips to create a unique seasonal treat.
The Yamato Karari series, which sold over 20,000 boxes within six months of its launch, focuses on highlighting the natural flavors of ingredients. This new winter edition pairs the natural rich sweetness of Nishiyoshino's tree-ripened Fuyu persimmons with the rich bitter taste of pure chocolate, allowing the fruit's inherent sweetness to shine through.
Development Background: Showcasing Natural Sweetness
Tree-ripened Fuyu persimmons from Nishiyoshino have sufficient sugar content and offer a rich, gentle sweetness. Despite containing no added sugar, Yamato Karari's Fuyu persimmon chips are surprisingly sweet. However, there's a widespread perception that "sweetness equals sugar or sweeteners."
By pairing the chips with sugar-free 100% cacao chocolate, a distinctly bitter ingredient, the natural sweetness of the persimmons becomes even more pronounced. This product was developed to help more people discover and appreciate the natural sweetness of Nishiyoshino's Fuyu persimmons.
While persimmons are typically associated with autumn, this winter-limited edition offers a new way to enjoy the fruit's flavor during the colder months.
Product Features
Yamato Karari's Manufacturing Method
Yamato Karari produces craft chips by frying Nara's local vegetables and fruits until crispy. The company uses a special low-temperature vacuum frying method to preserve the natural qualities of the ingredients.
The reduced-pressure environment allows frying at lower temperatures than conventional methods, preserving the vivid colors, flavors, and nutritional value of the original ingredients while creating a light, crispy texture.
Winter-Limited Special Flavor
The new winter-limited chocolate-covered Fuyu persimmon chips initially greet you with the rich aroma of cacao, followed by the rich, gentle natural sweetness of the persimmons as you crunch through the crispy texture.
The confidence in the natural sweetness of Fuyu persimmons is reflected in the choice to pair them with sugar-free 100% cacao chocolate. This unprecedented combination of persimmon chips (sweetness) and chocolate (bitterness) creates a luxurious flavor through contrast.
Recommended Ways to Enjoy
Savor these treats made from natural ingredients slowly, bit by bit, paired with coffee or alcohol (whiskey or wine). Being sugar-free, they make an excellent guilt-free gift for health-conscious individuals.
They're also perfect for winter gift occasions like Valentine's Day and White Day. The regular Yamato Karari Fuyu persimmon chips transform into a winter-only chocolate confection, making them a special gift for loved ones.
Peace of Mind with Every Bite
- Sugar-free
- 100% plant-based
- Low calorie
- No additives/No artificial coloring
- Free from specified allergens (Note: The chocolate is manufactured in facilities that also process dairy products)
The company strives for simple, honest processing to ensure as many people as possible can safely enjoy the natural deliciousness of Nara.
Developer's Comment
"We carefully refined our prototypes to honor Nara's terroir and bring out new possibilities for Yamato Karari. We hope to develop this product into a series and continue exploring various Nara produce for future winter-limited chocolate editions. Through Yamato Karari, we hope to introduce the deliciousness and appeal of Nara's produce to many people."
Product Information
Product Name: Yamato Karari Chocolate-Covered Fuyu Persimmon Chips (Winter Limited)
Price & Lineup:
- 2 pieces: ¥735 (tax included)
- 6 pieces: ¥2,214 (tax included)
Sales Locations: Official online shop, department store events
Department Store Event Information:
- January 21–31: Umeda Hankyu Main Store 9F Valentine Chocolate Fair
- January 29–February 14: Kintetsu Department Store Kashihara Store 6F Valentine Chocola Collection
- February 11–17: Kintetsu Department Store Nara Store B1F Yamatoji, and more
*Additional sales location information for winter-limited products will be announced on the website and social media.
*Information about "Chocone" series event participation will be confirmed separately on the website and social media.
For 2026 Rilyonte event information and updates, check the official website and social media
■ Official Online Shop: https://www.choco-ne.shop/
■ Official Instagram
【Yamato Karari】https://www.instagram.com/yamato_karari/
【Chocone】https://www.instagram.com/chocone2019/
About the Brand
About "Yamato Karari"
Yamato Karari is a craft chip series that fries Nara Prefecture-grown vegetables and fruits using a low-temperature vacuum frying method until crispy. The process preserves the natural colors and flavors of the ingredients while creating a light, crispy texture. The Fuyu persimmons used in this product are sourced directly from producers in Nishiyoshino, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture. All processing, from preparation to finishing, is done at the company's factory in Uda City.
The brand emphasizes the natural taste and beauty of ingredients, using no added sugar or additives, and creating products that are allergen-free and 100% plant-based.
About Rilyonte Co., Ltd.
Rilyonte Co., Ltd. is a craft confectionery maker that creates excitement from Nara. The company produces confections suitable for souvenirs and gifts, including the chocolate-covered ramune "Chocone" series and the craft chips "Yamato Karari."
"Infusing each confection with Nara's diverse colors and the small joys of travel."
Company Information
Company Name: Rilyonte Co., Ltd.
Location: 4-212 Gakuen Yamatocho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Representative: CEO Yusuke Kayamori
Business: Confectionery planning, manufacturing, and sales; tourism product planning and promotion
